YCCF awards $200,000 in grants

In its largest grant announcement to date, the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation awarded in May nearly $200,000 to 27 organizations in the greater Big Sky and Gallatin Valley areas. This is in addition to the $148,000 that was distributed by the foundation during its fall grant cycle.

YCCF grants are awarded semiannually following the May 1 and Nov. 1 grant application deadlines. The foundation has awarded more than $2.7 million since its inception in 2010.

Grant recipients reflect the foundation’s commitment to area arts and education, community service and environmental conservation.

Examples of YCCF support include the Summer Conservatory Program at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, as well as the Big Sky Classical Music Festival put on annually by the Arts Council of Big Sky.

Veterans are also a priority for the foundation this year, and during this grant cycle YCCF supported Warriors and Quiet Waters and The Station Foundation. With bases in Gallatin Valley, both organizations provide unique experiences for returning veterans and their families as they reenter civilian life.

“Yellowstone Club leaders and members see themselves as part of this community and are giving generously to enhance the quality of life and preserve the natural environment that draws us all here,” said Sam Byrne, president of the YCCF board of directors. “As well, we value the people and want to help local communities become even better places to live, learn and work.”

The foundation accepts donations from Yellowstone Club members, guests, and the local community. It also stages two major annual fundraisers, the summer Weiskopf Club golf event and the March Ski and Song Benefit.

“As contributions grow, so does the number of applications we receive,” said Casey Schwartz, YCCF executive director. “We’ve gone from as few as 10 proposals from local nonprofits to more than 50 this spring.”

Founded in 2010 as a resource to nonprofit organizations in the greater Big Sky and Gallatin Valley areas, YCCF is governed by a board of directors comprised of Yellowstone Club members.

The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation is as a Montana charitable public benefit corporation and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.